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Pak cricketer Asif to leave UAE in 24-hrs, gets life-long entry ban

DUBAI - A decision regarding the deportation of Pakistani fast bowler Mohammed Asif has been taken, and he is expected to leave the country within the next 24 hours, said sources on Thursday.

Asif has been in detention at the Dubai Airport Detention Centre since June 1 for possessing a banned substance. According to sources, 'A decision regarding his deportation has been taken and he is expected to leave the detention centre as soon as all the administrative procedures are completed,' said the source, adding that the case had not been referred to court. 'Since he is being deported for a drug-related offence, Asif is likely to face a life-long entry ban to the UAE,' said the source.

Twenty-four-year-old Asif was held in Dubai while transiting on his way to Pakistan from India after playing in the Indian Premier League matches. He was found carrying between 1-2 grammes of hashish.

Earlier, sources told Khaleej Times that the test results on the substance carried by Asif was found to be hashish. Since the amount was considered small, it was decided earlier on that Asif would be deported without any charges being levied on him. However, Dubai Public Prosecution has waited atleast 20 days before announcing the decision of his release.

Top Pakistani diplomatic officials and a special representative of Pakistani Cricket Board have also been making extensive efforts to secure Asif's release. A local firm of lawyers, Afridi and Angell, were engaged by the PCB to handle the case.

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